Fashion, culture, romance and a storyline peppered with twists and turns – what’s not to love about A Remarkable Woman.

This delightful historical fiction is set in the 1950s and follows the quest of Avril Montdidier to become a successful and independent woman. Avril is a French, post-Second World War immigrant who leaves tragedy behind for a better life in Australia and the main story moves between Melbourne’s burgeoning fashion scene and her time as a nanny on a remote Queensland station. And, in both locations, opportunities arise.

But things don’t run smoothly for Avril when it comes to romance and the son of a station owner throws more than just a few curve balls into this highly driven woman’s plans.

It’s fair to say that author Jules Van Mil masterfully balances the two distinct worlds – urban and rural – that this book inhabits. You can feel the pulse and excitement of Melbourne’s emerging fashion precinct with countless references to well known streets, iconic stores and major events like the Melbourne Cup. You can also just as easily imagine the vast landscape of a Queensland cattle station where Avril finds refuge after fleeing Melbourne to escape an unpleasant event and where she equally feels at home.

There is much to enjoy in this book and of particular note is the style and deft touch in which it is written. There are no long winded descriptions or verbose vocabulary; instead the writing is restrained, considered and designed to paint a picture with carefully chosen words. For example, in describing the landscape near the station the author writes, “The lush grasslands rose and dipped like a rippling rug until each undulation folded into the faraway hills”. And, when describing how Avril copes with painful memories the author writes, “she’d wrap her thoughts in imaginary tissue paper and store them away.”

This style of writing leaves space for the reader to focus on the story that well and truly shines. It also creates a book that moves at a rapid pace making it hard to put down. And, even though Avril’s romance with the station owner’s son is central to this story, it’s not until nearly halfway through the book that the love affair really kicks in. Instead the author has woven in hints of it from the start so that you can feel a sense of anticipation building. This works to keep the reader wondering how, when and where the romance will begin in earnest.

As such, much of the first half of the book is dedicated to the main character’s backstory in France and, on arriving in Australia, the interesting way in which she goes about educating herself about Melbourne’s garment making industry. With the author having been a pattern maker and designer herself there are countless references to Melbourne’s ‘rag trade’ that only someone with industry knowledge could include.

While the book’s contrast between city and country life, between Avril’s romance and her fashion empire dreams, adds variety and tension to the story it is also an historic snapshot of Australia in the 1950s. The book touches lightly on social issues of the era such as multiculturalism, gender inequality, domestic violence, sexual assault, homophobia and alcholism and uses Avril as the vehicle in explore themes that are still highly relevant today.

But sitting above the book’s social, fashion and romantic storyline is Avril’s ability to understand human frailties and human complexities. She’s compassionate, witty at times, and an extremely enchanting and admirable central character who is flanked by equally likeable supporting characters. The way in which Avril holds true to her values and seeks out opportunities to help others draws the reader in to become invested in her success. And, I have to confess I found myself literally cheering her on as she tackled the many obstacles she faces.

So if you’re a lover of fashion, romance, outback life and a darn good story, this book makes a great summer holiday read. It’ll keep you turning the pages from start to finish and remind you that, in life and in love, “timing is everything”.

Author: Jules Van Mil
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
ISBN: 9781760988449
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This book review is supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund.